The Trail Blazers suffered one of their worst losses on the season at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers in January. The 114-89 loss stings partly because of the large margin, but also because it came at the hands of the worst team in the NBA. Now back in Portland, the stakes surrounding this game are even higher. The Trail Blazers must beat the Sixers to prevent the series sweep and they must win to keep pace in the race for the playoffs.
Jahlil Okafor racked up an impressive double double (25 PTS, 10 REB) in the last meeting with the Trail Blazers, but he will not be suiting up due to his season ending knee surgery.